Fact Sheet FPS-239 October, 1999

Hedera helix1

Edward F. Gilman2

Introduction

The small, neat foliage of English Ivy provides excellent material for use as a ground cover or can be allowed to climb, its aerial roots firmly attaching to any rough-textured surface (Fig. 1). The dark green leaves are produced in abundance along the rapidly growing but rarely branching stems. It makes a wonderful ground cover giving a gentle uniformity to any landscape. As the plant climbs a wall or other structure and becomes older, mature leaves develop with fewer lobes.

General Information

Scientific name: Hedera helix Pronunciation: HED-dur-uh HEL-licks Common name(s): English Ivy Family: Araliaceae Plant type: ground cover USDA hardiness zones: 5 through 9 (Fig. 2) Planting month for zone 7: year round Planting month for zone 8: year round Planting month for zone 9: year round Figure 1. English Ivy. Origin: not native to North America Uses: mass planting; container or above-ground planter; Plant habit: prostrate (flat) hanging basket; suitable for growing indoors; cut foliage/twigs Plant density: dense Availablity: generally available in many areas within its Growth rate: fast hardiness range Texture: medium

Description Foliage Height: depends upon supporting structure Spread: depends upon supporting structure Leaf arrangement: alternate

1.This document is Fact Sheet FPS-239, one of a series of the Environmental Horticulture Department, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida. Publication date: October, 1999 Please visit the EDIS Web site at http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu. 2. Edward F. Gilman, professor, Environmental Horticulture Department, Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, 32611.

The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer authorized to provide research, educational information and other services only to individuals and institutions that function without regard to race, color, sex, age, handicap, or national origin. For information on obtaining other extension publications, contact your county Cooperative Extension Service office. Florida Cooperative Extension Service / Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences / University of Florida / Christine Taylor Waddill, Dean Hedera helix -- English Ivy Page 2

Figure 2. Shaded area represents potential planting range.

Leaf type: simple Trunk/bark/branches: not applicable Leaf margin: lobed Current year stem/twig color: reddish Leaf shape: cordate Current year stem/twig thickness: medium Leaf venation: palmate Leaf type and persistence: evergreen Leaf blade length: 2 to 4 inches Leaf color: variegated Culture Fall color: no fall color change Fall characteristic: not showy Light requirement: plant grows in the shade Soil tolerances: clay; sand; acidic; loam Flower Drought tolerance: moderate Soil salt tolerances: poor Flower color: white Plant spacing: 18 to 24 inches Flower characteristic: fall flowering

Fruit Other

Fruit shape: round Roots: not applicable Fruit length: less than .5 inch Winter interest: no special winter interest Fruit cover: fleshy Outstanding plant: not particularly outstanding Fruit color: unknown Invasive potential: not known to be invasive Fruit characteristic: inconspicuous and not showy Pest resistance: very sensitive to one or more pests or diseases which can affect plant health or aesthetics Trunk and Branches

October 1999 Hedera helix -- English Ivy Page 3

Use and Management

Ivy tolerates only little foot traffic or other disturbances. Be careful not to step into the bed after it is established. Raking leaves from or cleaning debris out of a bed of ivy can cause severe damage to it. Let leaves drop into the bed and remain in place. Some leaves can be blown out of the bed with a leaf blower.

Growing in full sun to deep shade, English Ivy is tolerant of a wide variety of soils except those kept wet. Plants growing in full sun occasionally burn during the winter in the northern part of it hardiness range. Although somewhat drought-tolerant once established, English Ivy maintains its freshest appearance when given ample moisture. Ivy benefits from some shade, especially when grown in the South. Plant on 1-foot centers for quick establishment.

There are hundreds of cultivars available with different leaf shapes, sizes, and colors including variegated. A few include: ‘Baltica’, small leaves, very hardy form; ‘Buttercup’, dark green leaves with light veins, new leaves yellow; ‘Fluffy Ruffles’, roundish, dark green leaves with undulating margins; ‘Gnome’, ground-hugging, 1-inch-long, dark green leaves; ‘Gold Heart’, small dark green leaves with cream centers; ‘Hahn’s’, small green leaves, bushy growth; ‘Harrison’, broad dark green leaves, turn reddish-purple in winter; ‘Marginata’, grey-green leaves with white margins; ‘Thorndale’ - hardy cultivar suitable for northern climates; and ‘Wilson’, very hardy form, small leaves, overall height 6 to 8 inches. Some cultivars were developed for tolerance to sunny conditions.

Propagation is by cuttings of young shoots only. Simply trim 3 to 4-inch-long young shoots and stick them several inches into the soil and water regularly to establish a new area with Ivy.

Problems include scale, sooty mold, mealy-bugs, and aphids.

Pests and Diseases

Fungus leaf spot and bacterial leaf spot are a problem under moist conditions and in humid climates.

October 1999